Category: Azer News

Kyrgyzstan has officially banned the cremation of human remains following the signing of amendments to the country’s law “On Burial and Funeral Services” by President Sadyr Japarov, AzerNEWS reports.

Under the new legislation, all legal provisions allowing the burial of urns containing human ashes have been removed, while previous regulations recognizing cremation as a method of human burial have been declared invalid.

The revised law introduces a new definition of “cremation,” limiting the term exclusively to the sanitary incineration of biological materials generated through medical activities. As a result, crematoriums are now legally defined as specialized facilities used for the thermal disposal of medical biological waste rather than for the cremation of deceased individuals.

The amendments also clarify procedures for the burial of unidentified or unclaimed bodies, as well as aborted and stillborn fetuses. According to the law, these remains will be buried by specialized funeral services in designated sections of cemeteries with the approval of the relevant internal affairs authorities.

In addition, a separate section of the legislation now regulates the establishment and operation of crematoriums, specifying that such facilities may only be used for the sanitary destruction of biological materials produced by medical institutions.

The changes reflect Kyrgyzstan’s traditional and religious approach to funeral practices. As a predominantly Muslim country, burial has long been the customary method of laying the dead to rest, while cremation has remained extremely rare. Supporters of the amendments say the new law brings the legal framework into line with the country’s cultural and religious traditions, while also providing clearer rules for the handling of medical biological waste.

Marvel Studios’ Spider-Man: A Brand New Day has become one of the biggest cinematic events of 2026, earning approximately $355 million at the North American box office during its opening weekend, AzerNEWS reports.

In the film industry, the term ‘opening weekend’ usually refers to the period from Thursday – when premieres begin in many countries – through Sunday. This initial box office performance is considered one of the most important indicators of a movie’s commercial success and audience interest.

According to Variety, Spider-Man: A Brand New Day achieved the second-biggest opening in Hollywood history, ranking just behind another Marvel blockbuster, Avengers: Endgame. The new Spider-Man movie earned $355 million in the United States and Canada, while international markets contributed an additional $573 million. As a result, the film’s worldwide opening total reached an impressive $927 million.

For comparison, Avengers: Endgame, released in 2019, opened with around $357 million in North America and earned approximately $1.2 billion worldwide during its debut period, excluding inflation.

Although Spider-Man: A Brand New Day narrowly missed surpassing Avengers: Endgame in total opening weekend revenue, it managed to set a new record for first-day earnings in North America. The film collected $167 million on its first day in the United States and Canada, beating Avengers: Endgame, which earned about $157 million on its first day in 2019.

The movie marks Tom Holland’s fourth solo appearance as Peter Parker. Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, the film also features Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Jon Bernthal, and Jacob Batalon. The previous installment, Spider-Man: No Way Home, became one of the most successful superhero films ever, earning around $1.91 billion worldwide.

The worldwide premiere of Spider-Man: A Brand New Day took place on July 31. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the production budget was estimated at $225 million, while the global marketing campaign reportedly cost around $309 million. One of the most unusual promotional moves was the participation of Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi in one of the film’s advertising videos, helping the movie reach an even wider audience.

The film’s record-breaking debut once again demonstrates the enormous popularity of the Spider-Man franchise. With a beloved character, a large international fan base, and Marvel’s powerful marketing strategy, A Brand New Day has quickly become one of the most talked-about releases of the year.

A team of researchers from the Chinese Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) has proposed a new two-stage method for dealing with large asteroids that could potentially threaten Earth, AzerNEWS reports.

The proposed strategy involves using a high-speed metal projectile to create a deep crater on the asteroid’s surface. In the second stage, a spacecraft would deliver a nuclear device into the crater and trigger a controlled underground explosion. Scientists believe that placing the explosive charge beneath the surface could significantly increase the effectiveness of the impact compared with a simple surface explosion.

According to a report published in the journal Space: Science and Technology, computer simulations show that a 3-megaton nuclear explosion – roughly equivalent to the power of about 200 Hiroshima bombs – could completely break apart an asteroid around 100 meters in diameter. The researchers also discovered that placing the charge approximately 30 meters below the asteroid’s surface could more than triple the asteroid’s trajectory change compared with a shallow explosion.

This approach could provide a more powerful alternative to traditional asteroid-deflection methods, which usually focus on gently changing an asteroid’s path rather than destroying it. One example of such technology is NASA’s DART mission, which successfully tested the ability to alter the orbit of a small asteroid moon by using a spacecraft impact.

However, scientists emphasize that using nuclear devices in space would be a last-resort option. The main goal of planetary defense programs is to detect potentially dangerous objects as early as possible and redirect them safely before they become a serious threat.

With thousands of near-Earth asteroids being monitored by space agencies around the world, developing reliable defense strategies remains an important challenge for modern astronomy and space exploration.

Turkiye’s Supreme Military Council (YAS) has approved a series of senior military appointments and promotions during its annual meeting chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara.

AzerNEWS reports that the meeting, held on August 4, was attended by Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz, National Defense Minister Yasar Gler, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Chief of the General Staff Selçuk Bayraktaroglu, and other senior government and military officials.

Among the key decisions announced following the meeting, Rafet Dalkiran was appointed as the new Commander of the Turkish Air Force.

The council also approved a broad promotion package, elevating 25 generals and admirals to higher ranks. In addition, 69 colonels were promoted to the rank of general or admiral, as part of a wider leadership rotation across Turkiye’s armed forces.

The personnel changes are scheduled to take effect on August 30, 2026.

The annual Supreme Military Council meeting is one of the most significant events in Turkey’s defense establishment, determining promotions, retirements, and senior command appointments within the Turkish Armed Forces.

Relations between Armenia and Russia continue to show signs of strain as trade disputes, diverging foreign policy priorities and growing political mistrust reshape what was once one of Moscow’s closest alliances in the South Caucasus.

The latest tensions emerged after Russia imposed restrictions on imports of Armenian milk and dairy products, prompting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to raise the issue directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a recent telephone conversation. Pashinyan argued that the measures contradict both bilateral agreements and the rules governing the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

Alongside the economic disagreements, another issue has once again resurfaced in Armenian political debate: the future of Russia’s 102nd military base in Gyumri.

Although no official indication suggests that Yerevan intends to seek the base’s closure, growing public discussion has fueled speculation over whether Armenia’s broader geopolitical reorientation could eventually affect Moscow’s long-term military presence.

Speaking to AzerNEWS, Armenian activist and public figure Ishkhan Verdyan argues that, despite increasing public debate, the legal and political realities make such a scenario highly improbable.

‘The Armenian government has never considered the early closure of the 102nd base in Gyumri and has repeatedly stated that such an agenda does not exist. This is logical, as the base’s presence is regulated by interstate treaties that cannot simply be terminated by a decree of the prime minister.’

The legal foundation of the Russian military presence dates back to 1995, when Armenia and Russia signed an agreement granting Moscow the right to station troops at the Gyumri base for 25 years.

That arrangement was significantly expanded in 2010, when both countries signed an additional protocol extending the agreement until 2044. The revised document also broadened the mission of the base, placing greater emphasis on contributing to Armenia’s national security rather than simply protecting Russian strategic interests in the former Soviet space.

Because the agreement constitutes an interstate treaty rather than a domestic political decision, Verdyan believes its termination would require considerably more than a change in political mood.

‘The base has the legal right to remain until 2044, and the agreements regulating its presence include strategic military and political commitments, making early denunciation extremely difficult.’

Could Armenia legally withdraw?

International law does provide mechanisms allowing states to withdraw from treaties under exceptional circumstances. One argument occasionally raised within Armenian political circles concerns Russia’s perceived failure to fulfill its alliance obligations during recent military escalations involving Azerbaijan.

Verdyan acknowledges that such an argument could theoretically be advanced.

‘International law allows for unilateral withdrawal from a treaty if one party fundamentally breaches its obligations. Armenia could, in principle, interpret the inactivity of the Russian base during recent military escalations with Azerbaijan as a refusal to fulfill allied commitments, which could formally provide grounds for denouncing the agreement.’

However, he stresses that legal possibility should not be confused with political feasibility.

‘Such a scenario remains highly unlikely because it would effectively amount to a long-term rupture in relations with Russia, bringing serious short-term consequences for Armenia.’

Here comes the biggest dilemma. While Armenia has significantly deepened relations with the European Union, the United States and several Western partners over the past two years, Russia continues to remain one of Armenia’s principal economic partners, a major energy supplier and an influential actor within the Eurasian Economic Union.

Completely dismantling that relationship would carry substantial economic and security risks. Recent statements by Prime Minister Pashinyan appear consistent with that cautious approach. Earlier this year, he publicly stated that Armenia was not considering the withdrawal of the Russian military base.

More recently, commenting on Russia’s new legislation allowing the deployment of military forces to protect Russian citizens abroad, Pashinyan dismissed concerns that the law could expand the authority of the Gyumri base.

Instead, he emphasized that the base operates exclusively within Armenia’s legal framework.

That position suggests Yerevan is seeking greater oversight of Russia’s military presence rather than questioning the legal basis of the deployment itself.

The distinction is important.

Since the 2020 Second Garabagh War, Armenia has increasingly pursued what many observers describe as a multi-vector foreign policy, expanding ties with Western partners while attempting to preserve workable relations with Moscow.

That balancing strategy has become increasingly difficult as geopolitical competition between Russia and the West intensifies.

Moscow also has reasons for restraint

Verdyan argues that an outright confrontation over the Gyumri base would be damaging not only for Armenia but also for Russia.

‘Such a development would only become possible in the event of open Russian aggression, leaving Armenia with no alternative. However, even that scenario is hardly being considered by Moscow because, while the consequences for Armenia would be local, for Russia they would be geopolitical.’

Azerbaijani wrestlers won multiple medals, including four gold medals, at the Hasan Gemici and Gazanfer Bilgen Memorial Wrestling Tournament in Kocaeli, Turkiye, AzerNEWS reports.

In freestyle wrestling, Ruslan Abdullayev (65 kg) claimed the gold medal, while Musa Agayev (65 kg) earned bronze.

In Greco-Roman wrestling, Ruslan Nurullayev (72 kg) and Tuncay Vazirzade (87 kg) won gold medals, and Nihat Mammadli (63 kg) took bronze.

On the opening day of the competition, Azerbaijani athletes also achieved strong results. Khetag Karsanov (125 kg) won a silver medal and Ramik Heybatov (70 kg) secured bronze in freestyle wrestling.

In Greco-Roman wrestling, Serkhan Mammadov (130 kg) earned silver, while Beka Kandelaki added another bronze medal in the heavyweight category.

The Hasan Gemici and Gazanfer Bilge Memorial Wrestling Tournament was organized in memory of two legendary Turkish wrestlers, Hasan Gemici and Gazanfer Bilge, who made significant contributions to the country’s wrestling history.

Both athletes became Olympic champions, with Gemici winning gold at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics and Bilge claiming Olympic gold at the 1948 London Games. Their achievements continue to serve as inspiration for future generations of wrestlers.

The competition brought together wrestlers from different countries to compete across various weight categories.

Around 600 athletes, coaches, and team officials from 16 countries participated in the event, including representatives from Azerbaijan, Turkiye, France, the United States, Georgia, India, Brazil, Uzbekistan, Serbia, and other nations. Athletes competed in 20 weight categories in freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling.

Raising capital requirements has significantly strengthened the resilience of Azerbaijan’s banking sector, according to a new report by Moody’s Ratings, AzerNEWS informs.

The agency said Azerbaijan has already introduced new capital buffers under the Basel III regulatory framework and is expected to achieve full compliance with Basel III standards by 2027.

According to Moody’s analysts, the alignment of Azerbaijan’s regulatory framework with Basel III, alongside the introduction of risk-based supervision and stricter capital requirements, has reinforced oversight of the country’s banking sector.

“Banking regulators across Central Asia and the Caucasus-including Kazakhstan (Baa1, Stable), Azerbaijan (Baa3, Positive), Georgia (Ba2, Stable), Armenia (Ba3, Positive), Uzbekistan (Ba2, Stable), Tajikistan (B2, Stable), and Kyrgyzstan (B3, Positive)-are strengthening supervisory frameworks and improving prudential regulation in line with international standards,” the report said.

Moody’s noted that these reforms are credit positive because they contribute to higher-quality loan portfolios, enhance banks’ ability to absorb losses, and gradually reduce systemic risks.

The report added that regulatory reforms across most countries in the region have led to tighter prudential requirements and stronger risk management frameworks.

“These measures include larger capital buffers, more conservative asset classification, stronger provisioning for potential loan losses, and improved liquidity management. Several countries have also made progress in establishing more effective bank recovery and resolution frameworks. Enhanced supervision has reduced delays in recognizing losses, while regulators have adopted a more proactive approach,” Moody’s said.

According to the agency, higher capital requirements have strengthened the solvency of banks in both Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. In Uzbekistan, the gradual reduction of directed lending has improved loan portfolio quality and encouraged wider adoption of risk-based lending practices. However, the report notes that government influence over the banking system remains significant.

Looking ahead, Moody’s expects governments across the region to continue strengthening prudential standards and refining supervisory practices, with a particular focus on preserving financial stability, increasing transparency, and limiting contingent liabilities related to the banking sector.

At the same time, the agency cautioned that the pace and effectiveness of reforms will vary considerably from country to country. Their success will largely depend on the quality of public institutions, the independence of banking supervisors, and governments’ commitment to developing market-based banking systems.

The US government has doubled the funding commitment to the TRIPP+ Enterprise Fund from $201 million to $402 million, according to the US government spending database HigherGov.

The funding is linked to the broader framework surrounding the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), a proposed transport route running through southern Armenia that is intended to strengthen connectivity between the South Caucasus and the wider Trans-Caspian transport network.

According to the source, the US State Department’s Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs initially awarded the TRIPP+ Enterprise Fund a $201 million grant on January 30. The grant was scheduled to be spent over nearly 11 years, with the implementation period running until December 31, 2036.

On July 16, the US government amended the grant, increasing its total commitment to $402 million. The deadline for using the funds remained unchanged at the end of 2036.

The HigherGov data appears to indicate that the full $402 million has already been committed to the fund, with Armenia listed as the principal location where the funds are expected to be used.

The TRIPP+ Enterprise Fund was established in Delaware on January 26. The fund is a separate entity from the TRIPP Development Company, which is responsible for developing and implementing infrastructure associated with the proposed route through southern Armenia, also known as the Zangazur Corridor.

The TRIPP Development Company was established under an agreement announced following a January 13 meeting in Washington between Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Under the proposed structure, Armenia is to hold a 26% stake in the development company, while the remaining 74% is to be held by a US entity, TRIPP Development Company US. The latter is expected to be established in Delaware as a subsidiary of the US International Development Finance Corporation.

The TRIPP+ Enterprise Fund, meanwhile, was established as an investment vehicle separate from the development company. According to an Armenian source, businessman Konstantin Sokolov was appointed to lead the fund.

The source also noted that the fund appears under the name ‘Trans-Caspian Enterprise Fund’ on an official database of companies registered in Delaware.

The increase in US funding comes as Washington seeks to deepen its role in developing transport and economic links across the South Caucasus and connecting them to the Trans-Caspian corridor.

The proposed TRIPP route has emerged as one of the key elements of the US-backed regional connectivity framework, with its development expected to have wider implications for trade, logistics and the strategic balance in the South Caucasus.

For centuries, Azerbaijani cuisine has followed the rhythm of the seasons. During the hot summer months, meals often focus on fresh vegetables, dairy products, herbs, seasonal fruits and naturally refreshing drinks.

Many of these recipes have been passed down through generations and remain an important part of everyday life across the country.

One of the most popular summer dishes is dovga, a traditional yoghurt-based soup prepared with rice, fresh herbs and sometimes chickpeas. Dill, coriander, mint and spinach are among the herbs commonly used in different regional versions. Although dovga can be served warm, many families prefer it chilled during summer because of its refreshing taste and light texture. It is often enjoyed as a separate meal or served alongside other traditional dishes.

Another cold dish favoured during hot weather is ovdukh, a yoghurt-based soup made with cucumbers, boiled eggs and fresh herbs. Prepared with simple ingredients, ovdukh is valued for its refreshing qualities and is especially popular on the hottest days of summer. Homemade yoghurt, fresh cucumbers and fragrant greens give the dish its distinctive flavour.

Fresh salads are also an essential part of the Azerbaijani summer table, when gardens and markets are filled with ripe vegetables and aromatic herbs. One of the most common combinations is a simple salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, sweet peppers and herbs such as basil, coriander, dill and mint. The vegetables are usually cut into large pieces and seasoned with salt and vegetable oil, allowing the natural taste of seasonal produce to remain at the centre.

A well-known Azerbaijani summer salad is Shepherd’s salad. Made with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, green peppers and fresh herbs, it is widely enjoyed across the country, especially during the warm months. Depending on the recipe, it may be seasoned with lemon juice, vegetable oil or vinegar. The salad requires no cooking and is often served with kebabs, grilled meats and fresh bread.

Another refreshing option is a cucumber and yoghurt salad, prepared with finely chopped cucumbers, yoghurt, fresh herbs and sometimes garlic. Dill and mint are commonly added to enhance the flavour. Light and cooling, this type of salad is a popular choice during summer meals.

Azerbaijani households also prepare salads using grilled vegetables, especially during the late summer harvest. Eggplants, tomatoes and peppers are often roasted before being combined with herbs and simple seasonings.

Dairy-based drinks have long been part of Azerbaijan’s summer traditions. Ayran, a yoghurt drink made by mixing yoghurt with cold water and a small amount of salt, is one of the most popular ways to cool down during hot days. It is commonly served with kebabs, qutab and other grilled foods. Some families add fresh mint or herbs to ayran for extra flavour.

Another traditional yoghurt-based drink is atlama, prepared with yoghurt and water and sometimes combined with cucumbers and herbs. Like ayran, it is especially appreciated in summer because of its light and refreshing nature.

A distinctive part of Azerbaijani summer culture is sherbet, a traditional sweet beverage made from fruits, flowers, herbs and natural flavorings. Unlike the frozen dessert known as sherbet in some countries, Azerbaijani sherbet is a drink served cold. Traditional varieties include sour cherry, lemon, rose, mint, basil and saffron flavors. For centuries, it has been offered to guests at weddings, celebrations and family gatherings, particularly during warmer months.

Tea culture also remains a central part of Azerbaijani hospitality, including during summer. Azerbaijani black tea is traditionally served in small pear-shaped glasses known as armudu, often accompanied by sweets, fresh fruit or homemade traditional fruit jam. During summer evenings, when temperatures become milder, families often gather for tea outdoors in gardens, courtyards or tea houses.

Jam, one of the most recognisable elements of Azerbaijani tea culture, is a traditional fruit jam made by preserving whole fruits, berries, flowers or nuts in sugar syrup. Unlike ordinary jams made from crushed fruit, Azerbaijani jam usually keeps the shape and texture of the ingredients. Popular varieties include cherry, white cherry, apricot, fig, strawberry, quince, walnut and rose petal.

Summer is the main season for preparing many types of jam because fresh fruits are harvested during these months. One of the unique varieties found in Azerbaijani cuisine is watermelon rind jam, made from the outer part of the fruit and slowly cooked in syrup until it becomes tender and sweet. Other summer varieties, such as cherry and apricot jam, are prepared when the fruits are at their freshest.

Preparing jam has long been a household tradition in Azerbaijan, with recipes often passed from one generation to the next. The process requires patience, as fruits are carefully selected and cooked to preserve their natural shape, flavour, and aroma. At the Azerbaijani tea table, jam is usually served in small bowls, with guests enjoying a spoonful of the jam alongside freshly brewed tea.

Summer is also the season when Azerbaijan’s wide variety of fruits reaches its peak. Watermelons and melons are among the most popular choices during the hottest months, while peaches, apricots, cherries, mulberries, figs and grapes are widely enjoyed across the country.

Azerbaijan’s diverse climate allows different fruits to grow in various regions, from the subtropical areas in the south to mountain villages with cooler conditions.

Traditional homemade frozen treats are also enjoyed during summer. Milk-based ice creams prepared with seasonal fruits, including berries, cherries and apricots, have long been a way to use fresh local produce while creating refreshing desserts for hot days. Homemade ice cream made from natural ingredients remains a favourite summer treat in many Azerbaijani families.

Made with locally grown ingredients and family recipes passed down through generations, these dishes remain a part of daily life and continue to be enjoyed across Azerbaijan during the summer months.

Ethiopia has been struck by another deadly natural disaster during its prolonged rainy season, as a landslide buried part of an Orthodox monastery, killing at least 14 worshippers and injuring three others, AzerNEWS reports.

The Horn of Africa nation, home to approximately 130 million people, has endured a series of weather-related disasters during its main rainy season, which typically lasts from June through September.

According to Egypt’s Al Ahram newspaper, the landslide occurred in Sela Dingay, about 200 kilometers northeast of the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

Bishop Megabe Hadis Neka, head of the local diocese, said the disaster struck early Monday morning after an intense overnight storm accompanied by heavy rain, thunder, and lightning.

The mudslide dislodged large rocks and swept down a hillside, burying part of the Tsadkane Maryam Orthodox Monastery, which is located at the foot of the slope.

“Fourteen worshippers who were praying inside the monastery lost their lives in the disaster. Three people who suffered serious injuries were transported to Debre Birhan Hospital,” Bishop Neka said.

Ethiopia, where more than three-quarters of the population lives in rural areas, is highly vulnerable to climate-related disasters, including floods and landslides.

The latest tragedy follows a series of deadly natural disasters in recent years. In July 2024, a massive landslide in southern Ethiopia claimed 257 lives, while 80 people were killed in flooding in the same region earlier that year.

The incident underscores the continuing humanitarian risks posed by increasingly severe weather events during Ethiopia’s rainy season.